Marvin OnumonuA new report from CIH Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to invest in the housing workforce ahead of the Senedd election.
The report, Hearing the Housing Professionals’ Voice, was commissioned from Cardiff Metropolitan University, said rising demand and cuts to other public services are putting pressure on housing professionals, who are now supporting tenants with more complex needs.
The research found staff are taking on extra roles due to gaps left by other services, leading to stress, burnout and vicarious trauma.
The report also raised concerns that new laws, like the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and changes to homelessness and allocations law, could increase workloads for a workforce already under pressure.
Matthew Dicks (pictured), national director at CIH Cymru, said: “This report is a reminder of just how much housing professionals are being asked to deliver – and how vital it is that they are properly supported to do so.
“That’s why we need a workforce strategy that provides career routes, reflects the wider diversity of Wales, nurtures expertise, increases capacity and helps develop resilience.
“CIH Cymru’s manifesto calls on the next Welsh government to treat housing as a sustainable vocation – investing in training, wellbeing and recognition so that the people doing this vital work can continue to thrive in their roles.”
Julie Haydon, president at CIH, said: “As a profession dedicated to providing homes and services, we know that housing’s strength does not come from bricks and mortar.
“It comes from people – and the resilience and professionalism that sustains them.
“If we want to deliver professional, compassionate services, we must be just as serious about investing in workforce wellbeing, strength and leadership as we are in the upkeep of standards.”
Haydon added: “The voices coming through in this research from Wales reflect what we hear across the profession – housing professionals are deeply committed but need to feel that commitment is reciprocated.”
